Etymotic Research ER 4S

Pros: Outstanding sound quality, extreme portability, a lot of isolation

Cons: Too much isolation for some uses, getting a good seal takes getting used to

The Bottom Line: If you want outstanding audiophile sound quality and outstanding portability in one package, the Etymotic ER-4S is the one to choose, especially with a good amplifier.

Review: I've first heard the amazing Etymotic ER-4S canalphones at Headroom's World of Headphones tour. Never before had such high quality sound come from any pair of earphones that small! I was so impressed with their sound that I ordered a pair of them from...

Pros: Flattest frequency response, Incredible detail (nearly unattainable on headset headphones)

Cons: "Ewww, there's something in my ear!" factor, "insertion routine" needs initial getting used to.

The Bottom Line: Sound resolution like no other, isolation which only enhances that and a low price for the sound quality. In my experience, my favorite headphones so far.

Review: Hello.

I feel it would be most fruitful to compare the Etys to some established hi-fi leaders in the headphone realm.

Audio-Technica ATH-W100: these are frequently heralded on headphone hi-fi sites as posessing near-Ety resolution...

Pros: Sound isolation (doubles as an earplug), Superb quality sound, Comfortable to wear

Cons: Expensive, Cable "rub" noise, Non-earplug wearers need to get used to it

The Bottom Line: Excellent sounding earphones that are comfortable and truly isolates outside noise. For musicians/drummers wanting to protect their hearing, this is a worthy $270 investment.

Review: If I told you that I spent almost $300 on some earphones, you'd probably call me crazy. Many people do, so you're not alone. But those people don't understand why I walk around with a silly grin every time I listen to music with these Etymotic ER4S...

Pros: transparent, immersive, visceral

Cons: laborious, gear-heavy, isolating

Review: I've been a closet audiophile for most of my life, lusting for sonic accuracy but hampered by fiscal constraint. I knew what recorded music should sound like but my relatively timid purchases left me unsatisfied. Then I heard about the Etymotic...

Pros: reference quality and better, calibrate your ears!

Cons: Well worth it but pricey.

The Bottom Line: Get em, take em everywhere, reinvent your soundscape!!!

Review: Fantastic. I have read all the previous reviews, and hesitated for a week to check em out. Fantastic. The fit, for me is not that bad. I have worn earplugs to sleep, and it's much the same. Best earplugs I have ever worn. If you HATE earplugs, ...

Pros: great sound, great isolation, worth the money.

Cons: take a bit of getting used to.

The Bottom Line: Get them, enjoy them, don't look back!

Review: I bought a pair of the er4s's about a month ago after pondering the purchase for several months. I ...

Pros: Amazing noise isolation. Excellent sound reproduction.

Cons: A bit weak in the Bass. May be uncomfortable for long wear.

The Bottom Line: Excellent performance in both noise reduction and sound reproduction. Light. Easy to live with. Comfort for long ware might be an issue, and they are expensive from the manufacturer.

Review: I purchased my ER4's last year more for use on aircraft or subways than specifically for their fidelity. They'd come highly recommended by a co-worker, and here I was definitely steered in the right direction. Sound isolation with these is simply ...

Pros: Great sound and isolation

Cons: Comfort can be an issue

Review: Any Audiophile or serious listener who spends time on the road ought to get acquainted with the ER4S. They are small and lightweight and sound great. They also provide 23 - 25dB of isolation to the user making plane, train and bus rides peaceful and a...

Pros: Amazing sound, incredible detail and bass extension, great isolation (~30dB).

Cons: Need an amp, can be difficult to get the right "fit."

The Bottom Line: If you have an amp, and don't mind the fit, among the best headphones at ANY price.

Review: The Ety ER4S are, hands-down, one of the best headphones in the world. They are accurate, involving, and they playback the music the way it was recorded -- good or bad.

The two caveats about the ER4S are:

1) They need (not prefer......

Pros: Great sound, amazing isolation, ultra-portability, unrivaled comfort.

Cons: A bit pricey if you are on a budget.

The Bottom Line: If you value high fidelity sound, portability, long-duration comfort, and blocking out noises, there are no better headphones.

Review: After having a pair of Grado SR-225s for over a year, I was still seeking a pair of headphones that I could use when traveling or working at a client site. As a computer programmer, I like to listen to music while I work, but don't want to carry my...